Census data is essential for shaping political representation, as it determines the allocation of congressional seats and electoral votes among states. Accurate census counts can influence which areas receive funding for public services and infrastructures, such as schools and healthcare. Additionally, based on population shifts identified by the census, legislative districts can be redrawn, impacting the balance of power between political parties. Underrepresentation of certain demographics in census data can lead to a lack of political advocacy for those groups, further widening the representation gap in governance.